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[masterslider id=”4″] Divorce without going to court is typically the least expensive way to get a divorce. There are different ways that can save you money, such as mediation, limited scope, co-mediation, 2 truly collaborative-minded lawyers, collaborative divorce…. There are different levels of cost-effective divorce. For instance, for those parents whose top priority is toRead more

There are different forms of mediation in family law. The traditional method is for one neutral mediator to meet with both spouses (either with or without their lawyers). The mediator does not make any decisions but helps the spouses find a way to compromise so that they can reach an agreement. This is a great methodRead more

When you choose the mediation process for your divorce, it’s best to have a peacemaking, consulting lawyer to explain your rights to you. Many peacemaking, consulting lawyers typically charge you for the the time they spend with you and for reviewing your documents after you’ve completed your mediation. If you spend an hour or twoRead more

There are 3 different kinds of mediation you may hear about in the family law court: 1. DSO: (Free) Daily Settlement Officers are volunteer lawyers who come to the courthouse and your judge may send you to that person to try to settle your case on the day of your hearing after one or bothRead more

Recently, I was reviewing a discussion between family law attorneys about the costs of peacemaking (namely, mediation). I was expremely disappointed in what I was reading. Some of the comments included the opinion that the courts should be awarded more funding for the administration of free mediations for litigated cases. Or in the alternative thatRead more

Once the decision has been made that the marriage will end, the first decision should be which divorce process is best for your particular family and circumstances. Will it be court appearances and having a stranger deciding what happens to your money, property and children? Or do the two of you make decisions together throughRead more

Settlement is a voluntary process. If one person won’t be reasonable and settlement fails, there is no choice but to go to court and have a judge decide the fate of your property, children and income. If the other spouse hires a bulldog litigator who is in the case to make money, they may assumeRead more

So many of our clients are interested in mediation and collaborative divorce because of the confidentiality of sensitive facts. Of course, we have to be careful with domestic violence and child abuse cases, which we may not be able to help with at all. However, there are so many other kinds of cases that includeRead more

At Amicable Divorce Services, we encourage reconciliation and trying any reasonable solutions before beginning the divorce process. The courts also ask you before you are divorced if there is anything that the court or therapy can do to save your marriage. Divorce is the last resort when all else fails. When divorce is inevitable andRead more

Remember, if you are divorcing in California, you are required by Family Code, Section 2104 to serve a completed packet of financial documents called a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure packet and also a Final Declaration of Disclosure packet. Some of the documents are filed with the court and some are not. In addition, there is aRead more